Connecticut CUs Raise Campaign Funds for Incumbent Larson

From left, U.S. Rep. John B. Larson (D-Conn.) and CULC President/CEO Tony Emerson at a fundraiser luncheon Tuesday in Hartford.

Connecticut credit unions showed their support for U.S. Rep. John B. Larson (D-Conn.) and questioned him about compliance burdens during a fundraiser in his honor at the Marriott Downtown in Hartford, Conn.

Larson addressed the importance of issues such as unemployment, the economy, and U.S. involvement in world affairs, as well as the acrimonious volatility of current election campaigns not only within Connecticut, but also throughout the nation and their potential effect on the future direction of the country.

And yet, he said, “we’ve accomplished a lot in Congress these last few years, but there are so many critical issues yet to address that both houses have an immense amount of work ahead of them in coming congressional session.”

Questions and comments from attendees, particularly on the burden of regulations and the role of credit unions both small and large in the economy, allowed Larson to describe the intricacies of law development as complex, polemic and divisive, and always political. In addition, he said he is committed to working with credit unions on easing the regulatory burden.

Larson, a member of the Ways and Means Committee that is expected to attempt tax reform, is currently chair of the House Democratic Caucus.

Larson, who has held the seat since 1999, is facing financial planner John Henry Decker in the November general election. Larson is a c0-sponsor of H.R. 1418, the House version of the member business lending bill, and was an honorary race chair for the 2012 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Run.